What are the mid-terms?

The United States midterm elections are being held on Tuesday, 6 November. This offers the first nationwide referendum on the presidency of Donald Trump.

Presidential elections are held every four years, in conjunction with votes for congress, state governors and other positions. Midterm elections are held half-way between presidential elections (in the middle of a four year presidential term, hence the name).

The national component of the midterms – the vote for Congress – is what receives the most attention. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are contested every two-years and a third of Senate seats every six-years (so a third of the Senate is elected with the House every two years). Congress is similar to our federal parliament. Along with other roles, support of both Houses of Congress are required for legislation to become law.